CHAPTER 7: The-Girl-Who-Lived is in the U.S.A.?
BY VERA VIVIAN
Stereotypical Warning: I don't own Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling does.
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Sorry about the wait! Hell decided it would be a great time to make a visit in my life. Well everything's getting figured out now. Enough of my personal drama!
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Thank you to all of my new followers and favorites! Special thank you to my awesome reviewers, Silver Moon Huntress, Clap, and Sadie! Thank you so much! Love detailed reviews and questions! (but any reviews are good ) Sadie – DiNozzo Sr. huh? Well it's an idea! Might throw him into the mix! Actually it's a wonderful idea! Haha, we'll see!
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*THIS IS A REPOSTED, NOW EDITED CHAPTER – ONLY CHANGES ARE GRAMATICAL IN NATURE*
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Helen drew her bag over her shoulder and kept her passport in hand as she and Dudley were the first to exit the plane. Their bags made their way through security easily enough and they waited in line for their passports to be checked. The man who checked her passport looked down and then looked up again, "Are you traveling with anyone Ms. Black?"
Helen grimaced slightly at the lack of her title but nodded, "Mister Dudley Dursley, my cousin on my mother's side."
The attendant waved Dudley forward and examined his passport, "Everything seems to be in order," He said as he stamped it, "You just need to go through a small process due to your status, Marcus will direct you to the appropriate desk." He said and gestured to another man in uniform who nodded and turned off his light, directing his travelers to another line.
They were led through the checkpoint and down the hall to a smaller set up with desks and seats for people being processed. They were led to an open desk in the front of the room, "Level one and three, Jack." Marcus said.
'Jack,' a middle aged man with a wiry build and strong jaw, stood and reached across the desk to shake their hands, "I'm Agent Jack Wrightley with the U.P.A. Department of Security. I'll process your entry into the country." He appeared very much the agent with his cropped black hair that was flecked with gray and his neutral appearing suit that seemed tailored for him.
Helen nodded, "Pleasure. I entered the country under my title, Lady Atria Black, Head of the Noble and Ancient House of Black with my mundane cousin of my mater familias, Mister Dudley Dursley."
"What is your full name Lady Black?" He asked as he made a couple of clicks on and set himself up to type on his computer.
"Lady Helen Jaimelynne Amaryllis Atria." She stated clearly.
"Spellings?" He asked.
"Helen, H-E-L-E-N, Jamielynne, J-A-M-I-E-L-Y-N-N-E, Amaryllis, A-M-A-R-Y-L-L-I-S, Atria, A-T-R-I-A." She rattled off with ease and perfect clarity.
"Titles?" He asked.
"Domina Mater of the Noble and Ancient Houses of Potter and Black." She stated.
He blinked in shock and his head jerked up. Dudley would have laughed if not for the seriousness of the occasion.
"Helen Potter?" Jack asked with stiff posture and intent gaze. Dudley had an idea that the man was not used to being so startled.
"Indeed." Helen murmured evenly.
"Ah, any other titles, official or unofficial?" He asked as if demanding clarification.
Dudley was proud of the way Helen held herself and didn't flinch back from the intensity of the questions being directed at her. And yet he had the idea that she had faced similar situations before.
"Officially I also hold the title of Friend of the Goblin Nation, by declaration of Chieftain Ragnok Grimskull, Head of the Clan of Gringotts. Unofficially I have been giving the title by the media as firstly, the Girl-Who-Lived, and most recently the Chosen One. But in between those you have things such as the Heir of Slytherin, Liar, Cheat, Upstart, Attention-Whore," She held his gaze evenly, "Need I go on?"
Dudley felt an icy chill fill him and had some sort of idea that it wasn't just him as he saw the man in front of him shiver.
"Not at all, my lady." He murmured, "I do believe my supervisor should be included in your processing though."
"Can you take down the basics for my cousin and I before calling your supervisor? I will have no problem speaking with whomever I must but I do so hate pointless waiting."
Jack shook himself, "Of course, not a problem at all, my lady." He said evenly and Dudley got the idea that the man was trying very hard to control his reaction to his cousin's revealing.
"Reason for entry?" He asked.
"I am currently living with my mundane cousin who is fully aware of our world. He has moved here for work."
Jack cleared his throat, "Your name and spelling please, sir." He said finally addressing Dudley.
"Dudley, D-U-D-L-E-Y, Anthony, A-N-T-H-O-N-Y, Dursley, D-U-R-S-L-E-Y."
"Titles?" He asked, typing away rapidly.
"Only those my career gives to me, I am Captain Dursley for the private military company, The Academy of Defense. I am a Defense and Combat Instructor with my specialties being in close quarter combat."
"What brings you to the U.S.-P.A., Captain Dursley?"
"The Academy has been contracted to work with the U.S. Navy Marine and SEALs divisions as well as U.S. Army Special Forces division. I have been sent to be the instructor with the Navy by the Academy and will be working mostly out of Quantico, but I will be making occasional trips to both the Little Creek Base, and the Dam Next Annex base, both in Virginia. I will also have teleconferences and meetings three times a month within D.C."
Jack held his silence for a moment as he finished typing it out.
"Type of Visa?"
"H-1b Worker's Visa." Dudley responded, "With my level of education and training being certified through the British Military via the Academy."
"Do you have a place of residence yet established?"
"No, we will be house hunting in the next two weeks. Until then we have a suite at the Hay Addams Hotel."
"It will be a simple matter of notifying the Joint U.S.A. office in D.C. once you have established your residence either via letter, e-mail, owl, or in person."
He pulled out a card much like any other business card that would've looked perfectly normal if not for the small shimmering emblem in the right corner that changed for the seal for the U.S.A. to the seal for the U.P.A. every couple of seconds. The card read, 'Joint Office of the U.S.A.-U.P.A. Federal Building: 1000 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20535 (mundane entrance): jointusa-upa-dc (e-mail address): Joint Office of the U.S.A.-U.P.A. Federal Building, D.C., VA (owling address): U.S.-U.P.A. DC Office (flue address).
"It's charmed for mundane eyes to see only the FBI Federal Building information," Jack stated as he handed one to Helen as well.
"Clever." Helen stated as she reached out wandlessly and tasted the charm woven into the small card.
"I'll now call my supervisor to speak with you, my lady, Captain." He said as he rose, "Please remain here."
"Of course, thank you Agent Wrightley." Helen offered.
Jack Wrightley nodded and offered a slight bow before turning and striding away.
Dudley turned to face Helen and moved to speak but she held up a hand and discreetly drew out her wand and moved it in a few short and precise jabs before she tucked it away and gave Dudley the go ahead, "Privacy Ward, a small one that will only cover up us talking. They are still able to see us and possibly read our lips but we are free to talk." She said with a slight smile.
"Handy." Dudley commented, "What do you think will happen with this supervisor?"
"I'm thinking he's getting more than just a supervisor. My status as the Girl-Who-Lived isn't only in Britain I'm afraid. Those in the United Kingdom and Scotland may care with more fervor due to the 'end' it brought to Lord Voldemort and the war but for a child to not die due to the AK made high international news."
"So you're famous even here?" Dudley asked.
"Basically," She said and Dudley could tell she wanted to grimace and make some sort of biting comment but had restrained herself. Suddenly she pulled out her wand and gave a sharp twist and murmured out of the corner of her mouth to Dudley, "Let me do the talking." As Agent Wrightley strode towards them followed by a tall dark-skinned man in what seemed to be an Victorian gentlemen's suit with long tailcoats but much more modern than anything worn in wizarding Europe.
Agent Wrightley gave a small bow and nodded to the man at his side, "Lady Potter-Black, please meet Director Antony Love of the U.P.A. Department of Security. Director, Lady Potter-Black, and Captain Dursley of the Academy of Defense."
Helen stood and Dudley stood slightly behind her. She offered her hand to the Director who bowed and placed a polite kiss in greeting across it.
"Pleasure to meet you Lady Potter-Black." Director Love stated in a deep serious voice as his eyes flicked across the pair of them taking them in.
Helen murmured quietly back, "Pleasure."
He reached out and shook Dudley hand, "Captain Dursley." He stated with a nod.
Dudley kept a firm grip that he knew made weaker men wince, but the Director kept a straight face, "Pleased to meet you, Director Love."
The Director took a small step back and eyed them thoughtfully, "Would my lady and captain care to retire to my office for this discussion?" He asked in a careful and controlled manner.
Helen eyed him and flicked a glance to Dudley who gave her the slightest of nods, "Of course, that would be of no issue, Director." She said and nodded to him, "Lead the way, if you would."
Director Love inclined his head slightly and turned and strode away with a steady measured pace that the cousins were quick to keep up with. Dudley and Helen both noted that Agent Wrightley drew up the back of the party and seemed to keep his eyes on everything as they walked through a series of halls to a room with fireplaces lining the walls.
The Director paused and turned around slightly, "Fluing will not be of any issue, will it?"
Helen eyed Dudley but shook her head, "No, my cousin will side-along with me."
Director Love nodded, "The address is 'D.O.S. Head Office', password, 'Eagle in flight.'"
Helen nodded and Dudley's eyes widened and he balked slightly as the stern man grabbed what appeared to be a handful of ash from a pot on the mantle, strode straight into the fireplace, barked the address as he threw the ash at his feet, and disappeared in a whirlwind of green flames from sight.
Helen saw Dudley's stunned and slightly fearful expression and had to repress the urge to laugh, remembering the first time she herself had seen someone flue. Instead she shook her head and wrapped her arm around his, "It's perfectly safe, D, I promise."
Dudley grimaced, having found another thing from his cousin's world that made him uncomfortable, but he loosened his stance and muttered, "If you say so, Len-Len."
Helen's nose wrinkled adorably as she stated primly, "I do." But then her eyes crinkled in mirth and she shook her head, "You'll need to hold onto elbow, preferably my right side so my wand arm is free, don't let go. I'll drop the flue powder and state the address, bend your knees slightly and walk when I walk or else you'll end up spat out in a heap at the other end. Don't close your eyes or you will trip but be prepared to be slightly disoriented. Simple enough."
Dudley grimaced and this time Helen actually did laugh but he did as directed and gripped her right elbow for the life of him. Helen gathered a handful of the ash-appearing substance and dropped it at their feet as she enunciated clearly, "D.O.S. Head Office." Immediately Dudley felt as if he was jerked about by his grip on his cousin's elbow and green light coated his vision, he got flashes of what he imagined to be hundreds of rooms and the time appeared endless, but Helen stated, "Eagle in flight." And Dudley felt as if he had just dropped at least six feet and came to land standing up but struggled to stride forward as Helen walked evenly out of the fireplace. Dudley nearly collapsed to the ground and was directed by Helen's small form to sit in some sort of padded chair as he struggled to control his breathing and not get sick.
Distantly he saw another flash of green out of the corner of his eye and assumed the Agent had followed them but was too busy trying to hold back his nausea to check for sure.
"Oh dear," Helen murmured, "Sorry, D. Forgot how much the first-time fluing can affect you. Especially since you're a muggle."
Dudley drew in a couple of slow breaths before giving her a dark look, "I really am coming to hate your sick-making-magical-methods-of-transportation."
Helen merely summoned a vial from her bag, uncorked it, and handed it to him, "I'll settle your stomach, just don't think about the taste."
Dudley grimaced, tipped his head back, and downed it in one go. It tasted terrible but as if by, well, magic, his nausea ceased and the pounding headache melted away. Dudley was finally able to take in the room they were in. It was an office that spoke of age and wealth. The walls were covered in elegant paneling and molding. The fireplace held a marble mantle that was engraved with what appeared to be a war scene from around the time the colonies were rebelling. Dudley noted though, that unlike a normal engraving the figures moved smoothly across the piece as they did silent battle with each other. A heavy rug covered the floor and a large desk dominated the center of the room. Directly behind the desk was a wall of shelves filled to the brim with books, photos, awards, and many odd-looking shiny instruments and bobbles. Several arm chairs were scattered about with two sitting directly in front of the desk.
"I do apologize Captain," Director Love stated from his place standing behind the desk, "But such transportation was necessary for privacy."
Dudley stood with no expected vertigo and flashed Helen a small smile of thanks, "It's fine, with Helen I'm learning to role with it."
The man nodded and gestured to the seats before him, "Please, sit."
The cousins took their seats and Helen crossed her ankles and folded her hands in her lap, the perfect picture of a well-bred young pureblood lady.
The Director twisted a hand and a tea tray gently floated across the room and sat on the corner of his desk and began steaming, "Tea?" He asked.
Dudley nodded and Helen murmured, "Please."
The tea poured three cups which then settled on their saucers and floated in the air to hover in front of their guests. Dudley hesitantly grabbed the tea and saucer and felt their weight settle in his hand as the magic holding them ended.
Helen took a dainty sip before turning slightly to face the Director head on.
He sipped his tea and there was a moment of silence before Director Love spoke slowly, choosing his wording carefully, "Your main place of residence will cause waves in our world."
Helen raised a brow, "Once it gets out to the public."
Director Love nodded and conceded, "Once it gets out to the public, yes." He paused, "I am a frank man, Lady Potter-Black." He stated.
"Please, Helen." She offered.
He nodded, "Lady Helen, I will be frank with you. You moving to the U.S.-P.A. is entirely unexpected. The world recognizes that Britain's magi community has been closed off for centuries and invites neither help nor hindrance from the outside world. Britain has always held its nobility close and its heroes even closer. You are breaking what has been expected from Britain for centuries."
Helen took a sip before speaking, "Britain is my home and motherland, yes, but times are changing, they have been changing while she has stagnated. Inventions and new ideas all come from the medieval era with Hogwarts' founding, while once one of the greatest institutions and leaders in the world is now severely behind on standards because they cannot adapt or change as the world has changed around them. Britain is still stuck in her isolationist state and she suffers under it. If I must be the movement of change out of necessity so be it."
Director Love took in a deep breath and held her gaze as he stated, "You are young, but wise beyond your years, wiser than many of your nation, my lady. Your move to the U.S.-P.A. will find you with no troubles from our government."
Helen understood what he was saying. It was her government she had to worry about.
"President Mueller would like to set up a diplomatic meeting with you and your cousin, to take place tomorrow if it is possible."
Helen reacted as if she had expected this while Dudley nearly dropped his jaw in shock. Was his cousin truly this important of a person? "Of course," Helen replied, "Whenever would be convenient."
The Director withdrew a formal letter from within a drawer and handed it over to Helen who left her cup and saucer hovering in the air and accepted it. She quickly felt out the letter for magic and found only the charm to allow only the intended recipient to open it and with a flickering glance, cut open the envelope with a mild severing charm.
She eyed the expensive paper and took in the address on the envelope. Lady Potter-Black was written in elegant calligraphy in black ink across the front. She pulled out the letter and quickly read through the missive,
Lady Helen Jaimelynne Amaryllis Atria, Head of the Noble and Ancient Houses of Potter and Black, Friend of the Goblin Nation, by declaration of Chieftain Ragnok Grimskull, Head of the Clan of Gringotts,
Be you welcomed by the United People of the Americas, and be you welcomed by myself, Magi President George W. Mueller of the U.P.A. to these lands.
I formally invite you, Lady Potter-Black, Goblin Friend, and your mater familial cousin, Captain Dudley Anthony Dursley, to an open meeting of diplomacy to extend the U.P.A. hand of friendship. Be you invited to the Room of the Round Table, of the National Liberty House, of Boston, Massachusetts, on the fourth of June of the year, two thousand eleven, at three past the hour for a meeting with myself and the Presidential Cabinet.
If you be willing, a Presidential Escort will arrive at your current place of residence one half of the hour prior. Your persons will be searched and familiars will be examined prior for both your own safety as well as the safety of others. Any weapons will be held outside of the Room and returned upon exit.
Most Sincere,
President George W. Mueller, of the United People of the Americas
"Dudley, we have nothing scheduled for tomorrow, yes?" Helen asked with a long stare in her cousin's direction.
"Wha—, Yeah, nothing set up as of yet." Dudley stammered but quickly composed himself as he gave his cousin a questioning look as he had not been able to read the letter from his seat.
"Director Love, please pass on our acceptance to President Mueller. We eagerly anticipate our meeting with a leader of his esteem." Helen stated formally with a twisting gesture that touched on her heart and forehead. As she said so the letter flew out of her hands and disappeared in golden burst of magic.
The Director responded to the gesture in kind as he inclined his head and said, "I will pass along your words and acceptance to President Mueller immediately concluding our meeting here. Until your meeting with the President you will be assigned a handler from our government as a security precaution only."
Helen hid a grimace behind her excellent pureblood mask and merely allowed a small crease to cross her forehead. "Of course, I will trust your agent not to interfere in my cousin and I's day to day lives?" She asked as she folded her hands in front of her.
The director kept a stony mask as he replied, "Of course not, Lady Helen, in fact, I am assigning an experienced agent, along with his partner to attend to your ladyship and familial cousin."
Helen rose a brow and simply uncrossed her hands and gestured airily with her right hand, "I have of course had guards before, but it is the inexperienced ones who have let, ah, incidents occur. I am thankful that you would give me an experienced pair of your agents knowing that you are taking them away from more important duties then just me."
Dudley was watching the words and gestures of both his cousin and the Director of an Agency be exchanged and tossed back in forth like it was a competitive tennis match. It was like they were trying to slip tricks in each gesture and bat words back and forth always trying to knock their opponent out of the game. There wasn't anything mean or cruel in the exchange, simply a wrest for power and the upper hand in the conversation.
"You, Lady Helen, as someone of your status far outweigh any other duties my agents may have. Their time spent with you is not wasted, of this, I assure you."
Helen then smiled and Dudley knew that the Director's quick and seemingly honest response pleased his cousin. "If I may ask, Director," Helen started, "Who have you assigned to my cousin and I?"
"Agent Wrightley and his partner will be accompanying you."
"Wonderful." Helen stated as she offered a polite nod in the direction of the agent who had finally crossed the room from his place where he had stood unobtrusively by the fireplace until now.
The Director raised himself from his chair and Helen did the same with Dudley copying a moment after her, having set his tea on the edge of the desk. "Well with that, I believe our time here should be brought to a close, for now. I am sure, Lady Helen, that you are weary from your travels and in need of rest. I have taken the permission to arrange a portkey for you and your cousin to a magi-car-service in DC that will take you to your hotel. Your luggage is already waiting for you there."
Helen let two fingers brush her lips as she bowed her head slightly, "Thank you, Director Love. It is much appreciated. Please feel free to contact me, both as Lady or if you find yourself in need of a companion for a cuppa."
The serious Director actually smiled and Dudley had a feeling he had enjoyed playing word games with his cousin as he bowed to her, "Of course Lady Helen," The Director stated as he rose, "Benedictus sis, donec iterum convenient." (May you be blessed, until we meet again.) As he made a complicated gesture that touched on his heart, lips, and forehead with his right hand.
Helen in turn bobbed a slight curtsy but not nearly as deep as the Director had chosen to bow in her direction and responded with the same gesture as she stated in what Dudley was sure was Latin, "Eodem tempore usque ad vos." (The same unto you until that time comes.)
Director Love turned to Dudley and shook his hand, "Good luck on your job here and welcome to the U.S.-P.A."
Dudley nodded, "Thank you for your time."
At this final conclusion, Agent Wrightley stepped forward holding a small innocent looking blue ribbon in his hand. Dudley groaned and eyed his cousin, "This is going to be another sick-making magical make-me-feel-like-my-insides-are-being-twisted-into-knots method of transportation, isn't it?"
Helen raised her brow as leaned forward and grasped a piece of the ribbon, "Don't be such a baby." She stated with a challenging look.
Dudley groaned and let out a shout as the moment he touched it he felt like someone had stuck a hook into his finger and was spinning him around in circles by it and colors washed by like he was on the ultimate trip.
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Thank you for reading! Let me know what you think!
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